What Did People Drive In....St Patricks Day Edition

Before St.Patty's Day ends I want to write a blog about cars that involves Ireland some how. I found a topic that fits perfectly with this idea, and its part of the "What Did People Drive In..." feature.
A list was recently published of the best-selling cars in Ireland during 1974.And the top 5 may surprise some people.

1. Ford Escort-The Escort name started in Europe a full decade before it came to America.Unlike the decidedly lame American escort, these European versions became popular rally cars and had the potential to be a cool little car with just a little bit of vision. Left-hand-drive versions were even built in the Philippines for local sale.In that country, there is no snow, so NO salt is used on the roads.They do not have overly strict regulations.Plenty of 70s Toyotas, Mitsubishis and VWs are still in use. Yet, few Escorts survive.This could be a hint that quality left something to be desired.

2.Ford Cortina- Fords European branch owned the Irish car market in '74, taking the top 2 spots. The Cortina was a sales leader in the neighboring UK, and found good success through much of Europe. Few were ever sold in the US and it was dropped from the lineup a few years prior.Like the Escort, LHD examples were built in the Philippines to truly globalize the car, and over in the islands they may even be rarer than the Escort.At this point, if you really want one, your best chance is to look in Australia.

3.Hillman Hunter- Unlike today, The UK had a thriving automobile industry in the 1970s.Even though their Luxury and Sports marques are what come to mind when people mention it, they also catered very well to middle-class buyers.That was Hillmans specialty. Hillmans rusted as badly as Cortinas and British cars in general had a poor reputation for quality (I use that word loosely).Needless to say, 39 years later, they have not survived well.

4. BMC Mini-First off, yes, I know the pictured car has Illinois plates,but, its a right-hand-drive car with UK specifications, and its a '74, so it'll work. Anyway, where was i.....Oh, yes, the Mini. Truly a British icon. A cute, quirkly little car that became a sensation. It was in production for several decades and Germany's BMW has been doing well with a revised, contemporary take on it.One of the most sought after British classics.Left-hand-drive Minis were made, since they were sold in countries like France.Very few made it into the US but now that they are old-enough to legally import, collectors have been bringing them over.Admit it,everyone loves a classic Mini.And as the 4th best-seller in '74, They loved it when it was new, too.

5. Fiat 127- The first non-British model on the list.Stateside, Fiats became known for inferior quality, and sales weren't great. In Europe it was different.They held 5th-7th place on the list. Honestly, the 127 was a cheap looking car, but it had its market.
The VW Beetle was number 8, but nowadays is probably the most common on the list.